OK, I'm excited and frustrated, and I know my fellow PPKers will understand.

We're going on an overnight work retreat, and I'm really happy about that from a professional development point of view. I really like the company that I work for, and I think this will be a great chance for us to work out some kinks before our 'busy season,' get to know our colleagues, and really motivate everyone to do his/her best.

Our dinner is at Fleming's Steakhouse. I don't think any other meals should be an issue, but gah, steakhouse. I've gone to work lunches on several occasions, and they've kind of gotten used to my new lifestyle, but it usually manages to come up at some point with a few laughs from them and claims that I'm making bad life choices.

I don't want to be a pain, but there's no way I'm going to compromise my morals (and my poor digestive system) to fit in at one work dinner. I've navigated Abe & Louie's a time or two, but Fleming's menu looks even less friendly.

Can anyone offer advice on dealing with overnight work trips, anything to order at Fleming's Steakhouse, or um, moral support? (I realize this is a pretty nice problem to have, but I just don't want to talk about my lifestyle with my co-workers for the umpteenth time; although, I'm sure some of them are tired of it as well.)

Not sure if this is the right forum; please feel free to move away.

_________________I would eat Dr. Cow pocket cheese in a second. I would eat it if you hid it under your hat, or in your backpack, but not if it was in your shoe. That's where I draw the line. -allularpunk

how about if you talk to your boss, if you trust her/him, about it and just let she/he know you're feeling uncomfortable with the situation. or give the restaurant a call during the day (not lunch hour) and talk to someone there about what options you have. It could be a good idea to mention that you'll be dining with a larger group of people - i find that sometimes meat oriented restaurants get a bit offensive if you want them to make you a special order of just vegetables, having a gruop of omnis at the same table makes it worth it for them to put in some extra effort. they're useually quite helpful.

Thanks, SkafferiAlkemi! My boss knows that I'm vegan, but I don't know that his boss knows this. I'm going to try giving the restaurant a call--that's a good idea about mentioning there will be plenty of omnis in the group. I think I just need to not expect my boss to remember and have the courage to ask politely that he remember my dietary constrains. I don't want any plans changed on my account, but I don't want to appear to be miserable either. I say appear to be, because I'm usually fine with a nice baked sweet potato or something, but everyone else is like, "Is that all you're eating?!! OMG!"

_________________I would eat Dr. Cow pocket cheese in a second. I would eat it if you hid it under your hat, or in your backpack, but not if it was in your shoe. That's where I draw the line. -allularpunk

you might want to also see - if they can't accommodate your needs, would they mind if you brought in food, just for yourself? There is enough decent vegan food in Providence that there's really no need for you to be eating a dry baked potato. Not sure what places might deliver to your workshop location beforehand (someone here can tell you though, I'm sure) but really, come on!

OK; this is going down tomorrow. I called the restaurant and was told that I've had options (besides a plain baked potato), and I emailed the hotel regarding our catered breakfast and lunch. I plan on stopping in Pawtucket as I make my way back to Boston on Friday--any where else I should make sure to check out? Some of my co-workers were making jokes about going to Dave and Buster's, if they aren't joking and actually go, I may walk over to to a bar I saw that has vegan food options.

Anything else?

Please wish for me that the meal conversations have nothing to do with veganism, me, my diet, etc.!

_________________I would eat Dr. Cow pocket cheese in a second. I would eat it if you hid it under your hat, or in your backpack, but not if it was in your shoe. That's where I draw the line. -allularpunk

AS220 is the place that I'm thinking of trying! Thanks for the tip about United BBQ--maybe if I don't get enough at dinner, I'll just order delivery!!

(I'm picturing myself eating the BBQ Seitan Sandwich in the bathtub for some reason...)

_________________I would eat Dr. Cow pocket cheese in a second. I would eat it if you hid it under your hat, or in your backpack, but not if it was in your shoe. That's where I draw the line. -allularpunk

AS220 is great. Right around the corner from there is Cuban Revolution which has a number of vegan options. In the other directions is Trinity Brew Pub which has a vegan burger as well as awesome vegan stuffed beefsteak tomato and lentil dish. Julian's in Providence also has a ton of vegan options though you might need to drive over.

Sounds like you are already stopping at the Wild Flour in Pawtucket. Next store is Garden Grille which has great food. In the same plaza is Rasoi which has many vegan Indian options as well.

bergedy, not to derail, but do you know of any vegan options near the Firehouse on Central St.? I'm going to a show there tomorrow and getting a ride from omnis who don't want to drive over to United or that pizza place I don't think. I've never been in Providence so not really sure where everything is.

how you doing by the way? long time no see!

_________________"If I were M. de la Viandeviande, I would now write a thirteen page post about how you have to have free will to be vegan, but modern science does not suggest any evidence for free will, therefore it is impossible to be vegan." -mumbles

bergedy, not to derail, but do you know of any vegan options near the Firehouse on Central St.? I'm going to a show there tomorrow and getting a ride from omnis who don't want to drive over to United or that pizza place I don't think. I've never been in Providence so not really sure where everything is.

how you doing by the way? long time no see!

Hey! Sorry I missed this. (I think you have my cell/email, feel free to ping me there if you need info quick.) Julian's on Broadway probably would have been your best bet. Firehouse is a cool place, hope you had fun. We should catch up soon.

thanks! I should have called or emailed, I didn't even think of it! I actually was trying to got to Julians but we didn't have time, so I just starved.

/threadjack

_________________"If I were M. de la Viandeviande, I would now write a thirteen page post about how you have to have free will to be vegan, but modern science does not suggest any evidence for free will, therefore it is impossible to be vegan." -mumbles

thanks! I should have called or emailed, I didn't even think of it! I actually was trying to got to Julians but we didn't have time, so I just starved.

/threadjack

That's actually what I ended up doing, too. Well, it wasn't that bad. My car broke down on the way to Providence, so I had to leave it at a repair shop in Mansfield. My boss's boss stopped to pick my co-worker and me up. I found stuff at all the group places we went, so it wasn't a big deal. Dinner was at Camille's, and I got a risotto primavera with no butter, cream, cheese, etc. Breakfast and lunch were catered by the hotel, and there was plenty of fruit for breakfast and portabello sandwiches for lunch.

People were only moderately annoying, "Why don't you just eat some meat? Can't you take a night off to have some tiramisou?" And I didn't go terribly hungry. I am really disappointed that I didn't get a chance to stop at Wildflour, but I'm going to have to make another trip southward once my car is fixed.

I did go immediately to the Pulse Cafe after picking my car up and dropping off my other co-worker (car was driveable, but the real repairwork is happening now). I got a chocolate milk shake and a philly cheesesteak sandwich with fries. I was a very, very happy girl. I'm excited to try everything else on the menu!! (And eventually revisit Providence and Pawtucket.)

_________________I would eat Dr. Cow pocket cheese in a second. I would eat it if you hid it under your hat, or in your backpack, but not if it was in your shoe. That's where I draw the line. -allularpunk

That's actually what I ended up doing, too. Well, it wasn't that bad. My car broke down on the way to Providence, so I had to leave it at a repair shop in Mansfield.

Bummer about the car, but glad it is fixed now. Did you try the vegan brownie at Julian's at least?

I didn't end up making it anywhere. I was going to sneak out when we had some down time, but I didn't feel like venturing out on foot in the weather we were having.

I will make up for it though!

_________________I would eat Dr. Cow pocket cheese in a second. I would eat it if you hid it under your hat, or in your backpack, but not if it was in your shoe. That's where I draw the line. -allularpunk